If you’re looking to start a massage therapy career in Illinois, you’ll need to obtain an Illinois massage license.
This process can seem daunting, whether you are still looking for a massage school or moving to Illinois, but don’t worry! We’re here to help walk you through the step-by-step process.
We will outline everything you need to do in order to obtain your license and start practicing massage therapy in Illinois.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Complete a 600-Hour Massage Program
In order to obtain an Illinois massage license, you must first complete a 600-hour massage program. There are many different massage schools and programs that offer this type of training, so be sure to do your research and find one that is right for you.
Once you have completed the program, you will need to submit your transcripts to the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.
Step 2: Pass the MBLEx Exam
After you have completed your massage program, you will need to take and pass the MBLEx exam. This is an entry-level licensing exam given by the FSMTB or Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.
You can register for the exam online and will need to pay a fee of $265 per attempt. The exam itself is computer-based, taken at a testing center and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
Once you have passed the exam, The FSMTB will submit your scores to the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.
Massage Exam Academy is an excellent resource to help you prepare for the MBLEx exam, whether you need to study during school or find yourself taking the exam years later.
Step 3: Apply for Your Illinois Massage License
Now that you have completed your massage program and passed the MBLEx exam, you are ready to apply for your Illinois massage license.
You can do this by completing the online application on the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation website. Be sure to include all required documentation.
The Illinois Massage Board has put together a good checklist and guide for new massage license applicants here.
Step 4: Get Your Fingerprints / Criminal Background Check
All individuals applying for a massage license must submit to a criminal background check and provide evidence of fingerprint processing from a fingerprint vendor licensed by the Department.
Fingerprints must be taken within 60 days from the date that the application is submitted to the Department or the Department’s testing vendor.
Recap of Basic Steps
- Complete a 600-hour Massage Therapy Program
- Pass the MBLEx
- Apply for your Illinois Massage License
- Complete criminal background check and fingerprinting
Those are the basic steps if you are just starting out and thinking about an Illinois massage therapy career.
The Massage Therapist Application Checklist provided by IDFPR can provide some additional details for each step in the licensing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Illinois massage license?
The process of getting an Illinois massage license can take several months if you are just beginning the school process. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to complete all the necessary steps, such as completing your massage program and taking the MBLEx exam.
If you are already a licensed massage therapist moving to Illinois and looking to complete the endorsement application, it can still take a couple of months for the application process.
How much does it cost to get an Illinois massage license?
The cost of getting an Illinois massage license application is $175 and is not refundable. Be sure to factor in the cost of your massage program, background check, as well as the fee for taking the MBLEx exam, if needed.
Are there any other additional continuing education courses I need to get my initial Illinois massage license?
No.
You may see a requirements for a “Sexual Harassment Awareness” course and a “Domestic Violence and Sexual Assualt” course (new for 2025) for licensees. However, this requirement only pertains to renewal applications, not for initial license applications.
How many hours of continuing education do I need each renewal for my Illinois massage license?
You are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years in order to renew your Illinois massage license. A one-hour course on sexual harassment awareness is required for license renewal, as well as a 2-hour ethics course.
(An additional 1-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault course will be required starting in 2025.)
Here is a list of Illinois massage board-approved sponsors.
Advanced Massage Techniques is an approved Illinois massage sponsor (245.000085).
Be sure to keep track of your credits and submit them to the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation when you apply for renewal.
The renewal fee is $87.50.
You can read all of the Illinois massage continuing education requirements here.
I went to school out of state, what do I need to do to transfer my massage license to Illinois?
If you are already a licensed massage therapist in another state, you will need to fill out an application for an Illinois massage license as an endorsement candidate.
The application guide provides information on how to do this, including how to find an out-of-state fingerprint provider.
Be prepared to submit your transcripts and proof of licensure from your home state, as well as pass the MBLEx exam (if you never took a licensing exam such as the MBLEx or NCETMB).
I went to massage school years ago, but never took the NCETMB or MBLEx, can I still get licensed?
Most likely, but you will need to pass the MBLEx. You will also need to see if you still meet the minimum education hours requirements (600). Contact the Board if you are in this position to make sure you are on the right track.
My Illinois massage license is expired. How can I renew it?
It depends on how long your massage license has been expired.
If your license has been expired, or moved to inactive status, for less than five (5) years, you need to:
- Submit a license restoration application
- Submit proof of 24 hours of approved continuing education, completed within the last two (2) years
If your license has been expired or inactive for more than five (5) years, you will need to provide some additional documentation. You still need to submit to complete steps 1 and 2 from above, but you will also need to submit ONE of the following:
- Certification of an active massage license in another state, AND proof of current active practice
- An affidavit attesting to military service
- Proof of completion of the MBLEx within two (2) years of the restoration application
Please see the license restoration administrative code for additional details.
Do I need a massage establishment license for Illinois?
There is not a massage establishment license for the state of Illinois. However, many cities in the state do require a business license or massage establishment license.
Here is an example of the requirements for a massage establishment in Chicago.
Be sure to check with your local city government to see if you need a business license to operate your massage business.
Still Have a Question?
We hope this guide has been helpful in outlining the process of getting an Illinois massage license. If you have any further questions, please contact IDFPR.
We wish you the best on your next steps.